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KUCHING, July 2: There is nothing new about reports on alleged corruption and victimisation of tourists by Immigration officers, says Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang.
According to a report by New Straits Times, Tan said Matta had previously highlighted similar misconduct to the authorities, but nothing had changed.
He was commenting on a recent commotion at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) involving Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dato Seri Tiong King Sing.
Following this, Tan has called for a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation of the case.
“The crux of the matter is whether there was any element of corruption, abuse of power or mistreatment of tourists.
“It is not about whether Tiong broke (security) protocols. That is secondary,” he reportedly said.
Tan also said it is reassuring to know that Tiong is taking his job as the minister-in-charge of tourism seriously, stating that a review of the procedures on the handling of travellers with NTL (Not To Land) status was crucial to prevent abuses as Malaysia gears up to receive more international tourists. — DayakDaily
